Baylor Bears Have Weapons

I watched Baylor’s men’s basketball game with Texas A&M the other evening and just marveled at all the weapons the Bears possess.

Baylor’s rotation goes nine players deep and could expand to 11 if required. For me, the big change is at point guard. Last season, the Bears basically had A. J. Walton and he struggled. This season, Pierre Jackson and Gary Franklin have joined the mix with Walton and the point guard by committee has made a huge difference.

The overall deep rotation gives Baylor many options. For example, senior forward Anthony Jones started every game during his sophomore and junior years plus a few games this season. Jones now comes off the bench. It’s a nice luxury to have a 6-10, three-point threat lurking on your bench. With the rotation, opposing teams must pick their poison. The other night, A&M decided it would not allow the guards to factor in the game. No problem for Baylor. All-American candidate Perry Jones and dunker Quincy Acy took control. The rotation also allows for individual player bad nights. It seems various players step up on various nights.

Baylor is now ranked No. 4 and No. 5 and still undefeated. The Bears are receiving serious national attention. This team has tremendous potential and needs to play to a higher ceiling. So far, the Bears have survived. But as they march deep into Big 12 Conference play, Baylor will need to step up its game and live up to the potential.

If the Bears do that, they are a scary team come March.